John Brown

Saxophone

John Brown began his music career in the 8th grade when he took drum lessons from DeMerle. He absorbed the styles of classic drummers Max Roach and Gene Krupa, but when he heard seminal improvising horn players like Cannonball Adderley, Johnny Hodges and John Coltrane,, he was inspired to move on to the saxophone. “I am a big fan of Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” album along with his version of “My Favorite Things,” said Brown, who will enter the University of North Florida this fall with plans to major in Music Education.

“Since music education programs are disappearing from our schools, I feel compelled to make an effort towards reversing that trend,” he added. “This kid will do well in whatever area of music he chooses,” said DeMerle. While in high school Brown was a member of the popular Rose Saxophone Quartet, which made numerous appearances in northeast Florida. “I do enjoy playing and sitting in with bands,” he said, “but my focus now is on earning my college degree and ultimately teaching music.”